2 Zambales mining firms suspended

THE MINES and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has ordered the suspension of two nickel mines in Zambales until they have complied with six conditions.

In an order dated July 7, the MGB’s Central Luzon office ordered Zambales Diversified Metals Corp. (ZDMC) and Benguetcorp Nickel Mines Inc. (BNMI) to stop their operations immediately.

In issuing the suspension order, the MGB cited as reasons the writ of kalikasan that the Supreme Court issued in June against ZDMC and BNMI, along with the other mining firms that operate in Zambales.

In a statement following the issuance of the writ of kalikasan, BNMI said it would work for the reversal of the suspension.

“We respect the Supreme Court’s resolution to give due course to the petition for writ of kalikasan, but we categorically deny that the petition has legal and factual merits,” BNMI said.

“We will reiterate our position in the court and have the petition dismissed in accordance with the law,” it added.